NHTSA Complaint #11606901 — 2018 FORD EXPLORER

Failed water pump/coolant leak. Vehicle will suddenly overheat and engine can seize. Vehicle will stop unexpectedly and endanger the lives of the driver, passenger and other motorists. Temperature warning and check engine light comes on only when vehicle is overheated at which point there is no coolant left. Issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. I was told that they would not touch this repair and to take it to a dealership due to the location of the water pump, it's relationship to the timing chains and the labor intensive job. The part is inexpensive. A simple Google search indicates that this is a known design problem since approximately 2011 and affects many makes and models. There are several class action law suits and a recall was issued in Canada for the same issue. Ford will acknowledge "off the books" that it is a problem but offer no financial assistance or support for their design flaw. It is an extremely costly repair for a very pricey vehicle.